Trumbull defeats New Canaan, advances to FCIAC semifinals on late goal

Jon Chik

Updated 10:10 pm, Saturday, October 27, 2012

TRUMBULL -- The FCIAC quarterfinal clash between the visiting New Canaan Rams and the host Trumbull Eagles hardly had the feel of a No. 8 seed taking on a No. 1, as both teams played remarkably even soccer for the better part of the contest.

A late goal by Trumbull's Lauren Hyde was the difference, as her marker with 5:39 remaining in the game paved the way to a 2-1 win and a trip to Monday's FCIAC semifinals where the Eagles will take on No. 5 Greenwich at 7 p.m. at Norwalk High School weather permitting. Greenwich defeated Fairfield Warde on Saturday to advance.

"I think both teams really showed a real raising of their level of play; tremendous intensity by both teams. The teams were flying at 50-50's and were willing to risk their bodies a little bit," Trumbull coach Daniel Uhrlass said. "We were ready for this kind of situation where we were prepared to not let anything take the air of our sails."

All three goals of Saturday's contest occurred in a fast-paced second half, and Hyde scored the game-winner by sneaking her shot just inside the left post.

"Ana crossed it, and I just wanted to get a shot off because I knew we didn't have a lot of time," Hyde said. "As a team, I would say that we're really good at staying positive. When we're down or when they tie it up, we're really good at keeping each other going."

New Canaan had one last rush for the potential equalizer, as Anna Borea took a free kick from within striking distance of the Trumbull net. However, a long clear by Trumbull's Nicole Schwartz with 25 seconds left all but iced the win.

Trumbull had a sizeable 13-3 advantage in corner kicks, but it was New Canaan which would cash one in to knot the game at 1-1 with 12:54 remaining. Anna Borea sent an arching kick at the Trumbull net, and Gabriella Borea was in position for a header for the game-tying goal.

"We've been working hard on (corner kicks). We got a nice play and a well-taken goal," New Canaan coach Kirk Bamford said. "It's a very competitive league; credit to Trumbull. I can't take anything away from my players. They were awesome. They've been working hard and pushing hard all season. I'm proud of what they achieved today."

Less than a minute later, New Canaan goalie Alexandra Yuditski preserved the tie for the time being by making a leaping save to deny Trumbull's Taylor Pratcher.

Trumbull broke the scoreless tie when Marissa Piccolo scored from extremely close-range by sliding at the ball for a one-touch goal after receiving a pass from Ana Tantum with 27:12 remaining in the second half.

New Canaan is back in action in the Class LL state tournament.

"We'll regroup because we know that this is a fun part of the season," Bamford said. "Obviously, the next stage is states. We're looking forward to competing in that and proving that we're one of the best out there."